Connect with us

Apps

Facebook Announces New Audio Tools, Including a Clubhouse Competitor

Published

3 years ago

on

They’ve been in the works for a little while, but now Facebook has made it official, with the announcement of a range of new audio social options across its apps as it seeks to tap into the Clubhouse-led trend. Facebook’s history of replication suggested that it was always going to copy Clubhouse in some way, with the audio meeting app seeing significant usage momentum as people look for ways to replace IRL meet-ups amid the pandemic.

And given Facebook’s massive reach, and established presence in many people’s lives, it could pose the biggest threat to Clubhouse’s growth as yet – especially given the breadth of tools Facebook has announced. First off, in what’s likely the most direct assault on Clubhouse, Facebook is launching an audio-only version of its Rooms feature in Facebook and Messenger, which will enable people to start up audio rooms that their connections can join which will be highlighted at the top of News Feeds and chats within each app.

The new option will have a very Clubhouse-like format, with hosts highlighted at the top of the screen, and listeners tuning in the show. Users will be able to make their rooms public or private, while they’ll also be discoverable in a separate Rooms tab.

Creators will also be able to monetize their Rooms, via Facebook’s Stars donation system, while it’s also working on additional monetization models, “as the ability to charge for access to a Live Audio Room through a single purchase or a subscription”. In addition to this, Facebook says that creators will also be able to turn a live conversation into a podcast for everyone to listen to later, providing more ways to use the content.

Of course, Facebook is not designed around audio connection like Clubhouse is, which may make its audio rooms less engaging. But then again, Facebook does have one specific, directly aligned tool to help boost its audio rooms option – Facebook groups.

As part of the initial rollout of audio rooms, Facebook will test the option in groups, with users able to set up audio rooms within their groups specifically, which could be a great way to spark engagement among like-minded people. And given that groups are used by over 1.8 billion people every month, that could make this a highly valuable add-on, with people now able to drop in and listen to chats among group members on topics they’re already regularly engaging with.

For comparative context, Clubhouse, at last check, has around 2 million active users. If Facebook’s audio rooms catch on in groups, that could mean that a significant chunk of potential Clubhouse users never switch over to the audio app, staying within the groups and tools they know instead.

If there’s any question as to why Facebook is always copying other platforms’ ideas, this alone would be justification enough. Facebook rooms will also initially be made available to public figures, with a broader rollout coming in the summer. In addition to this, Facebook is also launching a new tool called ‘Soundbites’, which will enable users to create short-form audio clips using a range of effects and tools.

The new tool will showcase Facebook’s various advances in audio tech. The option will eventually enable users to post their own audio clips to Facebook, in a whole new format. Utilizing audio clips in this way is not entirely new – Facebook’s actually been testing out audio clips as an update option since 2018, though those tests have primarily focused on the Indian market, and haven’t included these advanced audio filters and tools.

But now, with the rising popularity of audio as a connective option, Facebook’s expanding its audio options, which could help it further align with the social audio shift. Facebook says it will start testing Soundbites over the next few months. Facebook’s also looking to tap into podcasts more specifically, with the launch of new podcast listening and discovery tools in the app.

The option will give Facebook a more specific connection with the evolving podcast space – which somewhat aligns with its investment in newsletters also, ensuring it has a stake in every rising digital connection process. Which is really what this is all about. While some will deride Facebook for copying every emerging digital connection functionality that it can, in an attempt to maintain relevance, when you actually analyze that argument, it makes perfect sense.

Related Topics:
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Apps

Saudi Pro League Partners with TikTok

Published

5 days ago

on

September 9, 2024

By

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) announced TikTok as its ‘Digital Partner’ for the 2024-25 season. In this official partnership, TikTok will introduce a dedicated SPL Exclusive Hub, a central space where fans can access content from the league’s clubs and partners. This hub offers an immersive experience, bringing fans closer to their favourite teams and players in innovative and interactive ways. This collaboration sets new standards for sports entertainment by leveraging TikTok’s creative community and dynamic platform to bring the SPL closer to its expanding fanbase.

Through this partnership, TikTok will elevate the excitement of Roshn Saudi League (RSL) matches like never before. SPL will offer exclusive content available only on TikTok, giving fans unique insights into the league, its clubs, and players. From behind-the-scenes footage to in-depth player interviews, the content will create an engaging and immersive experience for fans.

Additionally, the SPL will provide TikTok creators with exclusive opportunities to explore and showcase new facets of the league, such as access to training sessions, match-day experiences, and interactions with top players. These opportunities will not only enhance engagement but also drive creative storytelling that resonates with a global audience. With SPL’s innovative experiences and thrilling football content, TikTok football fans can look forward to a diverse range of content and engagement opportunities, all exclusively on TikTok. With more than of 44.2 million likes and a follower count of 2.5 million, the SPL’s presence on TikTok has created a centralized digital space for fans to engage with the league like never before.

Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, said, “The partnership between the Saudi Pro League and TikTok is a groundbreaking development for our sector in the region and represents a strategic leap into the future of sports entertainment. This is more than a partnership, it’s a digital revolution. We are harnessing TikTok’s power to transcend traditional engagement and offer our fans a canvas for creative expression and a suite of experiences tailored to their passion for football. We’re creating a realm where each fan has a front-row seat to the spectacle of the Roshn Saudi League, powered by the boundless creativity that TikTok embodies. The SPL Exclusive Hub on TikTok provides an immersive and interactive digital home for our passionate football fans. We are shaping the future of fan engagement and setting a global benchmark right here in the Saudi Pro League.”

Kinda Ibrahim, TikTok’s GM for Operations in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan and South Asia, said, “Saudi Arabia’s passion for football runs deep in its history. By partnering with the Saudi Pro League, we are tapping into this strong affection for the sport and aligning with the league’s strategic vision to become one of the top football leagues globally. Through modernising the fan experience with a dedicated space for league content, clubs, and partners, we aim to strengthen the community of sports enthusiasts by providing them with more ways to connect and engage with exclusive content online.”

Continue Reading

Apps

Age of Empires Mobile to Release Around the World on October 17, 2024

Published

3 weeks ago

on

August 22, 2024

By

Mobile gaming fans around the world can prepare for a brand-new take on a strategy classic as Age of Empires Mobile will officially launch on the Apple App Store and Google Play on October 17. Co-developed by TiMi Studio Group (Call of Duty: Mobile, Pokémon Unite) and World’s Edge, an Xbox Games Studio, Age of Empires Mobile is a fresh and innovative experience for the beloved series, bringing familiar elements from the iconic Age of Empires games with brand-new and mobile-specific gameplay to mobile players.

On the road to global launch, players will have the opportunity to participate in on-site events at the Xbox booth, and the stage event with fun engagement activities at the Level Infinite booth, during Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Media and creators will be invited to preview the game in the business area. Players can pre-register now for the official launch on the App Store and Google Play, join the game’s official Discord or head to the game’s website for more information.

“We expect players to mystify, mislead and surprise their enemies through the realistic, immersive, medieval gameplay featured in Age of Empires Mobile,” said TiMi Studios team leader and studio general manager Brayden Fan. “We’ve already seen alliances form and alliances crumble through our multi-month playtesting. Through it all, players have shown strategic wit, savvy teamwork and a passion for an entirely new Age of Empires experience.”

Built from the ground up for mobile and social play, Age of Empires Mobile includes a variety of game features:

  1. Multiple single-player modes built on the Age of Empires lineage and featuring iconic elements from the original series
  2. Build your empire in a lively, realistic medieval world featuring stunning civilizations, imperial cities and historical figures
  3. Immersive battlefields offer one-of-a-kind original gameplay with large-scale castle sieges featuring realistic weapons taking on multi-dimensional defences in a fight with thousands of players worldwide
  4. Be strategic as you encounter realistic and interactive terrain and weather and manage multiple troops with real-time micro-control

Built to expand on the series’ lineage, Age of Empires Mobile offers players the opportunity to select from some of the world’s most legendary historical figures to lead their armies. Players choose from dozens of these leaders, such as Barbarossa, Darius the Great, Hammurabi, Joan of Arc and Leonidas I, each featuring unique individual talents and synergies with each other to unleash on your foes.

“Our goal at World’s Edge is to bring the magic of Age of Empires to as many different types of players around the world as possible. Partnering with TiMi Studio Group means we can combine their expertise in mobile gaming with the strength of our franchise and history – to bring a brand-new take on Age of Empires to even more gamers, in even more places,” said Michael Mann, Studio Head at World’s Edge.

Continue Reading

Apps

WhatsApp to Intro Real-Time Voice Conversations with Meta AI

Published

1 month ago

on

August 8, 2024

By

WhatsApp is set to revolutionize user interaction with the introduction of real-time voice conversations powered by Meta AI. This new feature, currently in development, will allow users to engage in natural, spoken dialogue with the AI chatbot.

Key Features:

  1. Personalized Experience: Users can select from various voice options for Meta AI, tailoring the interaction to their preference.
  2. User Control: The voice chat mode will be optional, ensuring users have complete control over their conversations.
  3. Privacy Focus: WhatsApp is implementing a privacy indicator to inform users when their microphone is active, safeguarding user data.
  4. Accessibility: Captions and transcripts will be available, enhancing accessibility and providing a visual record of conversations.
  5. Customizable Responses: Users can choose between brief or full responses from Meta AI, adapting the AI’s output to their needs.

This exciting development promises to make AI interactions more engaging, accessible, and personalized for WhatsApp users.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Latest Reviews

Gadgets4 days ago

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Review: A Rugged Titan for the Outdoors

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a standout in the smartwatch market, designed to cater to both tech enthusiasts and...
Foldables6 days ago

HONOR Magic V3 Review: Redefining Foldable Excellence

The HONOR Magic V3 is the newest contender in the foldable smartphone arena, striving to set new standards with its...
Earbuds1 week ago

Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro Review: The Perfect Companion for Outdoor Fitness Enthusiasts

The Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro is a unique addition to the world of wireless earbuds, designed with a specific audience...
Audio Devices3 weeks ago

SoundPEATS GoFree 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds Review: Worth the Investment?

The SoundPEATS GoFree 2 open-ear wireless earbuds offer a compelling combination of affordability, comfort, and decent sound quality, making them...
Gadgets3 weeks ago

Sony Inzone H9 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review: Immersive Audio, Supreme Comfort

The Sony Inzone H9 headphones are a premium gaming headset designed to deliver an immersive audio experience. With their combination...

Follow us on Facebook